How to Build Resilient Leaders with Ted Stank

Supply Chain Champions

People are recognizing how supply chains shape daily life and drive business success.

As companies start to view them as competitive advantages, interest in the field and demand for skilled professionals are surging.In this episode, Ted Stank, Bruce Chair of Excellence at the University of Tennessee (one of the leading supply chain programs in the country) and Co-executive Director of the Global Supply Chain Institute, shares insights on preparing the next generation of supply chain leaders. He discusses the essential skills needed to thrive in today’s rapidly changing landscape.

Ted also tackles one of the industry’s biggest challenges: uncertainty. From geopolitics to labor disruptions, he explains why companies must prioritize resilience over cost-cutting to stay competitive.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to prepare the next generation of supply chain leaders through education and real-world experience
• The necessary shift from operational efficiency to strategic value creation
• Why talent development is crucial in navigating uncertainty and disruption

Things to listen for:
(00:00) Meet Supply Chain Champion: Ted Stank
(01:05) The evolution of supply chain management
(04:20) Building technical and soft skills in future supply chain leaders
(08:45) Why passion is the key to success in supply chain careers
(10:57) University of Tennessee’s supply chain program
(15:15) The Global Supply Chain Institute
(17:02) Supply chain resilience over cost reduction
(22:23) Talent recruitment, development, and retention of supply chain professionals
(24:00) Why supply chain is the most exciting industry today

Resources:
Connect with Ted: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ted-stank-724590/
Connect with Eric: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-fullerton-111ba71a/
Connect with project44: https://www.project44.com/